The right coaching hire puts Cleveland Browns in playoff hunt

After watching this weekend’s playoff games, the Cleveland Browns are a coaching hire away for getting to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

If this wildcard weekend of NFL playoff action has taught us anything it is that the Cleveland Browns are on the cusp of making the playoffs. If Freddie Kitchens had just been average this season, the Browns would probably have been playing this past weekend.

Look at the Tennessee Titans as an example. The Titans finished the season with a 9-7 record, including a Week 1 clobbering of the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were out coached and out hustled in that game. Cleveland was the more talented team on the field that day.

Mike Vrabel was the difference between the two teams. He took an afterthought at quarterback in Ryan Tannehill and a disciplined defense into Foxboro this weekend and beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. After the game, Vrabel noted how well prepared they were for the contest, via nesn.com:

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"“I think our players were just, they were ready to go,” Vrabel said. “Our coaching staff did a great job, to have them prepared. You know, I told them, ‘To win the game, you’re going to have to be mentally and physically exhausted,’ to win this football game. Anytime you’re in man coverage, they are going to try to pick and rub you. There’s going to be gadgets, or throwbacks, or whatever there may be. Defensively, they are going to do things that force you to think, Ben (Jones) and Ryan (Tannehill), and make calls. We didn’t hand them anything.” — Abigail Adams NESN.com"

That quote sums up how important a head coach is in the NFL. Being able to understand your opposition is a crucial aspect of winning in the NFL. Vrabel proved that a competent coach who understands his opponents and can scheme around that understanding is crucial to success.

The Buffalo Bills are another example. Sean McDermitt and Brian Daboll were able to take a young, sub-par quarterback and put their team in position to win a road playoff game. McDermitt and Daboll didn’t re-invent the wheel, they were just competent and able to position the team for a chance at victory. They have done the same thing all season long to earn that trip to the playoffs.

Competence is key here for the Browns. Talent is on this roster. Yes, there are units on the team that must be upgraded. But please, no matter whom you hire Jimmy and Dee, just make sure they are competent. And if they are a trip to the playoffs may just be in store for this team next season.